Can I Legally Do Psychedelic Assisted Therapy In Florida?

Psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine have long been studied for their potential in mental health treatment. The altered mindset accessed by the right psychedelic-assisted therapy can have a powerful impact on our therapy journey. But getting that treatment safely and legally can be a journey in and of itself. Where and how is it possible to legally get psychedelic assisted psychotherapy?

When we cook, we need a huge variety of ingredients and spices to make a delicious meal. In that same vein, to empower ourselves in our journey towards mental wellness, it can take a variety of different therapy disciplines. By combining the compassionate discipline of talk therapy and the cognition-altering nature of psychedelics, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is changing the lives of new patients every day — when they know how to access it.

“Psychedelic drugs are simply instruments, like microscopes, telescopes, and telephones. The biologist does not sit with eye permanently glued to the microscope, he goes away and works on what he has seen.” 

Alan Watts

Why Are So Many Psychedelics Illegal? 

Prior to the 1960’s, psychedelics were heavily researched for their potential benefits when it came to treating psychiatric issues. They were found to be non-addictive and uniquely useful in the treatment of several disorders  Contrary to medical consensus of their benefits and dangers, psychedelics were criminalized under Schedule I in the United States (the same classification as heroin, crack, and PCP). In recent years, the FDA has approved research into psychedelics under the classification of breakthrough therapy giving them an exception under the law in the context of psychotherapy. 

With so much to potentially gain, it’s common to wonder: where can you actually get psychedelic assisted psychotherapy? 

“Psychedelics are illegal not because a loving government is concerned that you may jump out of a third story window. Psychedelics are illegal because they dissolve opinion structures and culturally laid down models of behavior and information processing. They open you up to the possibility that everything you know is wrong.”

Terence McKenna

Where Can I Legally Do Psilocybin Therapy? 

Psilocybin is one of the most well-researched forms of psychedelic therapy, due to the lower risk factor for potential abuse. However, it is currently illegal in the state of Florida to receive psilocybin therapy outside the context of research. So given all that, where can you legally do psilocybin-assisted therapy? 

• In Australia. Australia has approved psychedelics for their use in various therapies, including psilocybin. So if you have ready access to Australian citizenship, this is a no-brainer, go get treated in Australia!
• In Oregon. In 2020, voters in Oregon passed a measure to legalize psilocybin mushrooms in the context of mental health treatment. If you live in Oregon, you can get access to Psilocybin-assisted therapy right now!
• In Washington D. C. The District of Columbia has approved the therapeutic use of psilocybin mushrooms specifically. So if you happen to be a member of Congress who’s on the fence about psychedelic assisted therapy, you can try it for yourself!

Is MDMA Therapy Legal In Florida? 

While MDMA has shown promise in the treatment of depression and PTSD, it is currently illegal to get MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the state of Florida. The FDA recently rejected a measure to approve MDMA-assisted psychotherapy nationwide, at least for the time being. So what are your options when it comes to MDMA-assisted psychotherapy? 

• Join A Research Study. Patients involved in a research study are exempt from the laws prohibiting the therapeutic use of most psychedelics. If you are deeply interested in the potential of MDMA for your mental health, and aren’t afraid to take a chance with an experimental treatment, this could be a good option for you. 
• Live In Australia or Oregon. Big surprise, Australia and Oregon are leading the pack when it comes to legalizing psychedelic therapy. In 2023, Australia became the first country to approve MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of major depression and PTSD.
• Wait. Although the FDA didn’t approve MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for wide use, there seems to be more and more favorable research coming out with the passage of time. As the body of evidence in support of its efficacy grows, it seems inevitable that psychedelics get approved for mainstream therapeutic use in the United States eventually. 

Can I Do Ketamine Therapy In Florida?

You might be surprised to learn that the answer is yes. Ketamine has been used as an anesthetic and medical tool for decades, but in recent years more and more specialists are prescribing it off-label for the treatment of post traumatic stress, obsessive compulsive disorder, and major depression. If your mental health issues have resisted other forms of treatment, then it could be in your best interest to explore the option of ketamine assisted psychotherapy. 

• Does Ketamine Help With Anxiety? Ketamine has what many patients describe as a zooming-out effect. This is helpful in putting your internal anxieties into perspective and many patients have found relief from their symptoms of anxiety after just a few sessions. 
• What Can You Treat With Ketamine Therapy? Ketamine therapy has been proven to be effective in treating a wide variety of mental health issues, to the point that it’s easier to just point at this article we published on the subject a few months ago.
• What’s The Benefit of Expansive Therapy? Expansive therapies like somatic therapy, art therapy, and psychedelics can be so transformative because of the different ways they interact with the fibers of your brain. In order to see lasting improvement in our lives, we have to first expand our minds in order to see an alternative perspective or to shed an old way of being and thinking that we are no longer aligned with. These therapies are expansive because they help us make room for all the parts of ourselves, including our intense emotions. 

 If you feel stuck on your healing journey, and want to try expansive therapy, working with a therapist can help. Based on your needs, our intake specialist will help you get matched up with your perfect therapist. Click here to schedule a consultation.

Sunny Ebsary is an educator, multi-modal artist, and writer specializing in the intersection of myth and mental health. Sunny’s writing walks the line between poetic and logical, giving readers a chance to interface with the mind and imagination. Sunny’s been putting pen to paper since he was a child, writing everything from albums, novels, and plays, to essays, interactive games, and of course, many articles! While studying both psychology and writing, he realized his real passion in life was helping others unlock their creative spark. Whether he’s leading a D&D game, directing a production, or diving deep into the brain, you can be sure Sunny will be ushering you toward finding meaning in your life.